Bishop Pepe of Las Vegas retires; Bishop Thomas to succeed him

Bishop George L. Thomas has been appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Las Vegas, following the resignation of 75-year old Bishop Joseph A. Pepe. Christopher Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States announced the change in diocesan leadership on Wednesday, February 28, 2018.

Bishop Pepe served as Bishop of Las Vegas for seventeen years. Bishop Thomas has served as Bishop of the Western Montana Diocese since 2004. Responding to his new appointment in Las Vegas, Bishop Thomas stated: “It is difficult to leave Montana… But, Pope Francis requests that each bishop possess a generous missionary spirit. In light of the Holy Father’s request and with humble thanks for the confidence he places in me, I joyfully accept this appointment.” Bishop Thomas’ episcopal ordination and installation will be celebrated in Las Vegas on May 15, 2018.

The Diocese of Las Vegas was established by Pope John Paul II on March 21, 1995. Prior to that Las Vegas was part of the Diocese of Reno, Nevada.